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Churches can bridge spiritual, physical healing, pastor says

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AUBURN, Ala. -- A parish nurse ministry can help churches bridge spiritual and physical healing, according to an Alabama minister.

Auburn Baptist Church in Auburn, Ala., has partnered with the East Alabama Medical Center to place a parish nurse in its congregation. The medical center is doing the same in four other churches, according to the Associated Baptist Press.

The nurses, paid through a grant received by the medical center, work two hours before the churches' mid-week prayer services, seeing nearly 25 people per shift.

Vaughn CroweTipton, Auburn Baptist’s pastor, said churches have a responsibility to educate members about physical health. Some people who might otherwise ignore a medical problem would seek medical care in a non-threatening setting at church, CroweTipton said.

"We do have powers of healing and health and wholeness," CroweTipton said. "Maybe not to make the lame walk, but I have seen churches bring people back to life."

Under the Alabama program, nurses must be a member of the church. The churches must provide a secure room for the medical office, a filing cabinet and a telephone. The medical center provides basic medical equipment. Nurses consult church members on health issues and offer blood-pressure checks and referrals.

CroweTipton said the parish nurse ministry’s impact extends beyond physical healing to spiritual health.

"We’re seeing a direct correlation," he said. "As people’s physical health gets better, it’s easier to help them heal emotionally and spiritually."